This is a test ... of the DukeALERT system

Duke DIY is a series of instructional videos that help employees use the various programs, benefits, resources and services offered at Duke. In this video, students, faculty and staff can follow the steps to sign up for emergency text message notifications through the DukeALERT system.

October 18, 2010

Shortly after 8 a.m. on Sept. 28, a student at the
University of Texas walked onto the Austin campus with an assault rifle and fired
shots into the air.

He then retreated to the library, where he took his own
life. No other injuries were reported.

Such incidents highlight the importance of having an
effective notification system that can disseminate information quickly to help
people understand when an emergency arises and what they should do.

As part of its emergency preparedness planning, Duke
conducts periodic tests of the various communication tools of the DukeALERT
notification system to help raise awareness about how Duke community members
will be notified of an emergency.

The next test is 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 27.

Test Your DukeALERT Knowledge

Take this short quiz to test your knowledge of Duke's emergency notification system.

"We continue to see examples of situations at other
institutions that reinforce the importance of being prepared to respond quickly
and efficiently to emergencies when they arise," said Kyle Cavanaugh, vice
president for Human Resources and Duke's emergency coordinator. "The DukeALERT
tests help ensure members of our community understand how they will be informed
and what they should do during such times."

The notification methods used in the DukeALERT system include
emergency email, an emergency website (including blog capability and an RSS
feed), a telephone recording, the outdoor warning system and text
messaging.

Emergency text messages will be sent only to those who have
registered to receive them. Duke students, faculty and staff can sign up for emergency text messaging on the DukeALERT website.

As part of the test, Duke community members will be
encouraged to respond to an online survey to assess the effectiveness of
various DukeALERT communication methods. The survey will be posted on the
DukeALERT website
once the test begins.

The results will help determine how people were notified, which
methods worked best for different groups and whether staff members know their
severe weather/emergency conditions service category. The results will also
help identify areas for improvement.